Crack house hell finally over

NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their relief after a notorious crack house was shut down - but want to know why it took so long.

Police and council officials evicted three squatters and boarded up the terraced house in Waldeck Street this week after addicts took over the property.

The swoop signalled the end of more than a year of hell for families living in the Katesgrove cul-de-sac.

One devastated father told the Evening Post: "I have cried tears over that place - it's been ridiculous.

"I've had my door knocked at 3am by people looking for a fix, my eldest boy has found needles in the road and condoms in front of the house. There's been untold noise and I saw one man get whacked around the head with an iron bar - it's been a nightmare."

Since November police have raided the house three times.

Two weeks ago the official tenant moved out after Reading Borough Council won an eviction notice at the County Court. That left the two-bedroom property in the hands of squatters but on Monday they were thrown out.

Holding back the tears the father-of-two said: "My kids used to play in the street. I won't let them now.

"They can even spot these people coming up the road. They say ‘look dad, here's another one' - I'm sick and tired of it.

"This has been going on for more than a year, 24 hours a day - you wouldn't believe how blatant it is.

"I just wish the council and the police could work together, certainly better than they have.

"This has been a long time coming."

Eileen Means, Reading Borough Council's director of housing and social services, said: "The council and its partners are working to stop unacceptable behaviour and taking steps to reinforce its message that disruptive and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated."

She added: "The process to move disruptive tenants on can take some time because of legal constraints."

Beat officer Aaron Gibbs thanked neighbours for their help and patience. PC Gibbs said: "It has been a frustrating time for them as the solution to the problem could not be obtained overnight."